Relevant '11...

The past week has been anything but normal. Fighting illness and trying to meet all my obligations almost proved my undoing. But God is good and antibiotics are a miracle. I made it to Relevant '11 on a wing and a prayer or rather four tires and a full gas tank. From the moment I checked in I knew this would be a different experience from past conferences.

Blogging is relational. I know that sounds kind of funny seeing as I am sitting in a room, alone, typing these words. It's relational in that you my dear readers come here to this space to find a recipe, see what the lovely  Miss Courtney is up to or check out the latest Inspirational Christian Fiction. Or maybe you check in for my rants on life including my intimate relationship with yoga pants. Sometimes you send me emails and sometimes you leave me comments. You ask questions, you offer prayers. We have spent four years now getting to know each other.

I do the same thing with other bloggers. I read their words and am inspired by their journey's. I leave comments, send emails, write letters and have made some very special friends out in the blogosphere. I am blessed indeed. I have also been blown away by some writers who have the ability to touch my heart and amaze me with their humility and grace in the face of many difficult challenges. This weekend I got the opportunity to briefly meet  a few of them and listen to them pass along an encouragement or two.  

We are called to love...always love...Listening to Ann Voskamp speak is like sitting at the foot of a very wise and generous grandmother. Mind you she is a vibrant young woman but she has a very deep and strong spirit that accompanies a love for the Savior that leaves the listener in awe. She can't explain her success. She doesn't have to. As she chronicles on her blog, A Holy Experience, it's ALL for God's glory...every word, every photograph...it's all offered back to Him in thanksgiving for the blessings that rain down upon her in the most mundane and simple ways. She is an incredible witness to the power of Christ's healing and redemption. It was an honor to be in the same room with her let alone get to meet her.

I have read every book Sally Clarkson has ever written. She is a legend in the homseschooling community. She is a woman who has a heart for encouragement and one of the most kind and genuine woman I have ever had the privilege of meeting, albeit briefly. She loves the Lord and carries such JOY for Him in her heart it is effusive in everything she shares. Her blog, I Take Joy is aptly named. She breathes joy and she just wants you to know how much He loves you and how much He wants to share this motherhood journey with you. What a gift she is!

There were so many others who shared their hearts and how the Lord has renewed them and brought them out of some pretty dark places. It was a weekend filled with the sharing of journey's, so different  and yet so similar.

God showed His face this weekend and spoke directly to my heart with how He wants me to move forward, both as a writer and in my vocation as wife and mother. TRUST IS HARD WORK sometimes. Trusting that He will guide each step along the right path. I  have some very hard work to do, but I know my dear sweet readers that you will be there on the sideline cheering me forward as we walk together along this journey called LIFE.

Thank you for stopping in. Thanks you for the emails and the prayers. Thank you for your friendship and your trust. Thank you...for being there...

mary's book basket ~ "i am in hear" by elizabeth m. bonker & virginia g. breen

Every once in awhile I come across a book that takes me on an emotional journey that hits a little close to home. There are tears and prayers said as I read about a mother and her daughter who face the challenges of everyday life with a tenacity and strength that I understand and admire.

In the stirring memoir "I Am In Hear" author Virginia Breen writes with great love about her daughter Elizabeth who suffers from autism and cannot speak. Her determination and perseverance to help her daughter spoke directly to my heart as a mother of a special needs child.

Virginia never gives up hope and neither does her daughter Elizabeth, whose poetry is shared throughout the book. Her simple and direct writing style takes my breath away sometimes. To know that she hears and understands everything happening around her but cannot "speak up" just breaks my heart. As the aunt of three nephews who have varying degrees of Autism, this book pulled back the veil of what happens in an autistic brain to help me better understand how to interact with them and how to respect their individual voices. This is a powerful book of faith and hope. A MUST read my friends!

I leave you with a poem from Elizabeth. She wrote it by spelling each word, letter by letter, using a special alphabet board. It is simple and direct. It will change how you think about Autism.

Me

by Elizabeth M. Bonker

I sometimes fear

That people cannot understand

That I hear.

And I know

That they don't believe I go

To every extreme

To try to express

My need to talk.

If only they could walk

In my shoes

They would share my news:

I am in here.

And trying to speak every day

In some kind of way.

*cough*...*cough*...*cough*...

It seems that the dreaded plague has reared it's ugly head once more. After three days of misery I finally went back to the doc and came home today with antibiotics and cough medicine loaded with codine. I have a massive sinus infection with bronchial "involvement". I have been slathered with Vicks Vapo Rub for days. I have slept with the soothing sounds of a vaporizer to try and prevent getting a hernia due to the coughing. It does wonders to set the mood let me tell you!

Translation - I am very, very tired of being sick and tired. I was also diagnosed (after much testing) with sleep apnea. I will soon look like an alien when I go to bed. Mask up baby! Thank goodness I married a Trekkie. He won't run away...I hope.

Needless to say I need to walk away from this space for a few days until I can breathe without pain and talk without coughing. If I type while taking codine who knows what insanity will arise. I feel it's prudent to rest and take care of the home front as best I can.

It's been a challenging fall y'all. God is moving in powerful ways. On Thursday I leave for the Relevant '11 Conference and I need to be on my game. I can't wait to share what I learn form these inspiring bloggers. So until Monday...I pray you and your families are well and loved.

Thanks so much for your patience once more...you are the best readers a girl could ask for.

Blessings,
Mary

mary's book basket ~ "necessary deception" by laurie alice eakes

Filled with intrigue and drama Laurie Alice Eakes newest novel "Necessary Deception" takes the reader back in time to the Regency Era and the height of the London Season. Heroine Lady Lydia Gale is being blackmailed into helping find an escaped convict. Everything she holds true is called into question.

Product Description:
When young widow Lady Lydia Gale helps a French prisoner obtain parole, she never dreamed he would turn up in her parlor. But just as the London Season is getting under way, there he is, along with a few other questionable personages. While she should be focused on helping her headstrong younger sister prepare for her entré into London society, Lady Gale finds herself preoccupied with the mysterious Frenchman. Is he a spy or a suitor? Can she trust him? Or is she putting her family in danger?


Readers will enjoy being drawn into this world of elegance and intrigue, balls and masquerades. Author Laurie Alice Eakes whisks readers through the drawing rooms of London amid the sound of rustling gowns on this exciting quest to let the past stay in the past and let love guide the future.


It's been some time since I have read a suspense/mystery set in the Regency period. Miss Eakes has done her job researching the time period and the incredibly strained relationship between the English and the French. Her attention to detail is impeccable and I enjoyed every moment from the ball gowns to the secret meetings that keep the reader guessing until the end. Who is the blackmailer? What is the truth?

Spellbinding, intriguing with a dash of elegance and inspiration. A fabulous read indeed!

pretty, happy, funny, real ~ the fall festival edition...

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

@Like Mother, Like Daughter

It's been a few weeks since I have posted anything for Like Mother, Like Daughter's blog fair "pretty, happy, funny, real". When I was looking at all the photos I have taken in the last few weeks, I saw several themes. One being the season of fall. I love fall. The cool air, the beautiful colors changing all around, the return to baking, stews and soups bubbling on the stove and of course FOOTBALL! 

A few weeks ago my family and I attended our towns Fall Festival with our dear friends the Silva's. It was Miss Christine's birthday weekend so we had much to celebrate. There were booth's with handmade quilt's, sparkly jewelry, homemade fudge and bread, lots of fall decorations, children's clothing, doll clothing and a few vintage finds. There were pumpkins and apples everywhere. Simmering cider, caramel apples and street food enticed our senses the entire time we were there. It was so much fun!! 

Here is a peek into our fun:

{pretty}

You know I had to start with my girl MIss Courtney! She had such a good time at the fair.
All the smells and noise make her happy. Her hat is made of two layers of cotton poplin.
I love it because she can move and it won't get in her way. 

{happy}

Do you see her smile??
This is my BFF Christine. It was her 40th birthday weekend.
 ( I know, I know, she looks sixteen!)
She loves fall  and kettle corn. I don't know what gave it away?
Hmmmm...so happy!

{funny}

Miss Victoria (Christine's younger daughter) made me laugh with her
"happy turkey hair doo dads" (a direct quote).
Cutest turkey I have ever seen!

You see this happy, happy face???
Look below to find out why my guy is smiling like a four year old boy.
(Hint: It's ALL about the food...I know...big surprise!)

{real}

My guy takes his fried food very seriously.
Never get between him and a corn dog...

...maybe it's the mustard...or the deep fried crusty outside...
doesn't matter...just leave him in peace to enjoy each crunchy bite.
His love doesn't stop there though...the fried love goes on...

...the fried dumplings....

... the gyro...

...and you know how he feels about his pork right???
Lot's of good things to eat at the fair.
Of course it will take another month to clean the arteries out!
LOL!

improve cooking challenge #1 ~ caramel - apple & cream cheese turnovers

my hubby couldn't resist sneaking one before supper...

I am so excited to be taking part in this very special blog party hosted by Sheryl @ Lady Behind the Curtain. I was so honored to be asked to take part in this event. Thanks Sheryl for thinking of me!

This months challenge ingredient's were apples and caramel, fabulous for fall. We could use them however we wished, sweet or savory. The challenge was on!

There are so many recipes out there that contain these two ingredients that I struggled with the choice. I wanted to make something new to me, that could be easily eaten and most importantly I wanted to choose a recipe where I had the ingredients one hand. That final caveat really helped narrow down my options. Lat week, I handed my husband three choices and this is the one he picked.

My hubby is a HUGE fan of stuffed pastry. Donuts with bavarian cream, cherry turnovers, ham and cheese pockets, spinach and ricotta calzone...you stuff it...he'll eat it. This turnover has a little bit of cream cheese, homemade applesauce and sweet caramels that all melt together. This creamy center is wrapped up with the buttery, flakey puff pastry crust that acts like a big warm blanket.

One bite and you will know that there is a God and He loves you very, very much because you get to eat one of these yummy little sweet treats. Yes, they are that good...just ask my hubby...oh wait...his mouth is full right now...he'll have to get back to you.  

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dusted with cinnamon and sugar and filled with creamy goodness...
so good!

Caramel-Apple and Cream Cheese Turnovers

from America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook

Ingredients:
2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and chopped coarse

3/4 cup sugar

1 tbs fresh lemon juice

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 (9 by 9.5 inch) sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed

Flour for the counter

1/2 cup cream cheese

caramel candies

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

Adjust two oven racks to the upper and lower middle positions.  Heat oven to 400 degrees.  Pulse the apples, 1/2 cup of the sugar, the lemon juice, and salt in a food processor until the apples are coarsely ground, about 5 pulses.  Let the apple mixture sit for about 5 minutes, then drain through a strainer, reserving any accumulated juice.

2.  Unfold one sheet of the puff pastry on a lightly floured counter and roll into a 10-inch square.  Cut the pastry into four 5-inch squares.  Mound 1 tablespoon of cream cheese and 1 tablespoon apple mixture in the center of each square.  Add two caramel candies (each cut into 4 pieces) to each turnover.  Brush the edges of each square with strained apple juice and fold into triangles.  Crimp the edges together with a fork to seal.  Lay the turnovers on a wire rack and freeze for 15 minutes (or refrigerate for 30 minutes).  Repeat with the remaining sheet of puff pastry, cream cheese, apple filling and caramel candy. 

3.  Toss the remaining 1/4 cup sugar with the cinnamon.  Remove the rack from the freezer, brush the turnovers with the reserved apple juice, then sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar.  Lay the turnovers on two parchment lined baking sheets and bake until well browned, 20 to 26 minutes, rotating and switching the baking sheets halfway through.  Transfer the turnovers to a wire rack and let cool slightly before serving.  

courtney busts a move...or two...

For those of you who have been long time readers here at PP, you know the story of my second child, my daughter Courtney Elizabeth. When she was five weeks old she began having seizures. IN the last nineteen years she has seen every specialist, taken every seizure med available on market, and we even tried alternative therapies. The seizures still come everyday. Due to medical interventions as well as lack of oxygen over the years, Miss Courtney's development is profoundly delayed. As of last year she is the developmental age of a 9-12 month old child. She is cortically blind and non-ambulatory. She will never walk on her own.

That doesn't mean my girl can't move...

Part of her therapy at school is to use a gait-trainer (it's like a big walker) that allows her to stand and when she feels strong enough, actually take a step or two. Over the last four or five years , Courtney's overall health has gotten worse and her leg strength is not what it once was. So, after much discussion with her therapy team it was decided that she needed to get on her feet every single day to help her increase her muscle tone and allow her to bear weight to help with bone density. Some days she just stands there, other days she takes a step or two. Then there are days like today...

I cannot fully express how I feel when I get to see her move like this. My daughter will never run or skip or jump. She will never play soccer or basketball like her mother. She will never get up dance just for fun. But some days she will put one foot in front of the other and make her mother a believer in miracles once more.

God is good...one step at a time!

tasty tuesday ~ pork w/ squash and apples

sorry the picture is a bit yellow...it's hard with indoor lighting...but it was delish!

I had a squash emergency. It doesn't happen very often that I am at a loss for cooking inspiration. With a counter full of acorn and butternut squash, I knew my family would not be pleased with gallons of soup, so it was time for a little cookbook roulette. 

Off to the shelves I went and scoured book after book. There was baked squash, roasted squash and several squash casseroles with varied ingredient lists, some more questionable that others. So I made soup, roasted some for later, but I still had three or four squash left to use from my CSA delivery. Back to the books I went and found this recipe that combined apples, onions and squash. A lovely flavor profile emerged with the addition of some garlic and rosemary. Sprinkled over all of it was creamy sweet butter. That just made my heart sing with joy!

I didn't have any pork tenderloin but I did have some boneless pork chops so I just fried those up in my cast iron skillet. I wasn't prepared for the fresh sage to turn black. Even though it doesn't look so appetizing ( in the picture above) it sure tasted good. If your looking for something new to do with squash...give this recipe a try. 

Celebrate the Feast!

Mary

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This weeks recipe is being shared with Mouthwatering Mondays @ ASouthernFairyTale, Homemaker Mondays @ 11th Heaven's Homemaking Haven, Made by You Mondays @ Skip to my Lou,  Tuesday's Tasty Tidbits, Nap Time Creations, Balancing Beauty and Bedlam , Made From Scratch Tuesday @ From Mess Hall to Bistro, Totally Tasty Tuesday @ Mandy's Recipe Box, Domestically Divine Homemaking Link Up, What's Cooking Wednesday @ Tales from the Fairy Blogmother, Raising Homemakers, Delicious Dishes, Tempt Your Tummy Tuesday, The King's Court IV, This Chic Cooks, Tuesdays at the Table, 33 Shades of Green, Recipes I Want to Try @ At Home with Haley, The Lady Behind the Curtain, Full Plate @ Miz Helen's Country Cottage, Friday Flair @ Whipperberry as well as the Hearth and Soul Blog Hop@21st Century Housewife. Head on over to their blogs and check out other fabulous recipes.

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Pork w/ Squash & Apples

from Food Network Magazine Great Easy Meals: 250 Fun & Fast Recipes

by Food Network Magazine

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1.5 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 large cloves)

2 tablespoons freshly chopped sage

2 1-pound pork tenderloins, trimmed

kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

1 small butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces

2 cooking apples, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces

1 medium red onion, cut into 1/2 inch pieces

1 tablespoon honey mustard

1 sprig rosemary

5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 425.  Mix the nutmeg, 1 teaspoon garlic, and the sage in a bowl.  Rub over the pork and season with salt and pepper.

2.  Toss the squash, apples, onion, the remaining garlic, the honey mustard, and salt and pepper to taste in a bowl.  Spread over a long sheet of foil.  Add the rosemary and 3 tablespoons butter, the bring the ends of the foil together and crimp into a packet.  Place the packet on a baking sheet and roast on the upper rack until tender, 30 to 35 minutes.  Poke holes in the packet to release steam.

3.  Meanwhile, heat a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat.  Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter, then brown the pork on all sides about 8 minutes.  Add 2 tablespoons water and scrape up any brown bits from the pan, then transfer the skillet to the lower oven rack and roast until the thermometer registers about 150, about 15 minutes.  Transfer the meat to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes.  

4.  Return the skillet to medium heat.  Add 1/2 cup water, scape up and browned bits and simmer 2 minutes  Slice the pork and drizzle with the pan juices.  Serve with the squash and apples.

hope...always hope...

Life is filled with challenges and disappointments. It's how we choose to deal with these things that tells the tale of our true character. If the last two weeks give any indication as to the true nature of my character...then let's just say I have a heck of a lot of work to do. Instead of reacting with grace and humility, I have not been an example of either one. I have struggled to keep my temper in check, my anxiety at bay and my heart filled with something other than dread. In the midst of chaos and illness my perfectionist personality went into overdrive and I felt horrible that I was disappointing people left and right. Deadlines were missed and jobs left undone. Not my usual modus operandi.

The amazing thing was God was there. The whole time. He was there in my husband as he cared for me in my very weakened state filled with snot and not much else. It was NOT a good look for me let me tell you!

He was there in my friends who prayed for me and my doctor who prescribed the right meds to make it all go away.

He was there in the understanding staff at school when I couldn't substitute as I was signed up to do and it was a CRAZY week at school!

God was present in the woman at church who came up to me after Mass two weeks ago and told me how much my Courtney touched her heart...how she was so touched by the way Jerry and I care for her. She will never know how much her words pierced my heart. How needed they were to be a balm to the aching that sometimes overwhelms me when I begin to doubt wether or not I can do this caregiving thing for the foreseeable future.

God was present in all of them. He never left my side.

Fo that I am so grateful...words really don't come close at times...they can't fully express my heart...but they are all I have so I will try.

God was present in the heart of my daughter and she holds her arms open wide for the man who holds her heart here on earth...her Daddy.

eyes that look right through your soul...and buck teeth to match!

God was present in the face of a sweet one month old little boy that was baptized yesterday. This beautiful pure little soul that now sings the song of God in his heart.

God was present in the heart of my husband as he held that little boy and the water of life spilled over his sweet little head welcoming him into the family of God. My husband is an uncle and a godfather once more. My soul sings for joy in this new relationship.

Welcome to the family of God Thomas Randall...

God is good...even when I am not.

God was present as my son, the eldest grandchild, held his new cousin, the youngest grandchild, and my mother looked one with such joy. Generations of love spilling over.

LOVE!

Hope...always hope...even when all you want to do is give up, curl up in a corner and scream at the world to go away. Hope is where God lives...so today I give hope another chance...

Blessings from God:
#571 ~ # 605
*a new life in Christ - Thomas Randall Green
*family gathered to celebrate Christ's love
*generations laughing together
*grilled burgers made by baby brothers who now have babies of their own
*godchildren surrounding me with love and laughter
*blue eyed little boys who make their Aunties heart melt
*shark cakes and 7 year olds
*candles lit for the life of a soul
*candles lit to celebrate life on earth
*prayers sent for healing and recuperation
*vaporizers and hot lemon tea
*full box of kleenex
*cold calm and honey syrup that soothes the throat
*warm blankets straight form the dryer
*fuzzy slippers and flannel pj's
*a husband who hold hands and rubs my back
*daughter who hugs her Daddy
*blue eyes that look like the sea 
*that see your very soul...and love you still
*BFF's celebrating birthday's filled with lots of laughter
*carmel corn and pumpkin cheescake
*the leaves displaying brilliant bright colors
*breezes floating through open windows billowing the curtains
*the smell of the first fire of the season
*fathers sharing wisdom with sons
*sons honoring those years and lessons learned
*singing in the kitchen
*simple chores that remind me that I am able bodied to be able to accomplish said chores
*snuggling on the couch with the man who has held my heart for 25 years
*the joyful memories of time gone by
*sharing stories of lessons learned with nieces and nephews...laughing the whole time
*hot chocolate filled with extra marshmallows
*listening to my husband and son recite famous movie lines...perfectly in sync. It's a little scary really...but funny!
*the last roses of the season blooming with hope for another year
*you dear readers who stop in to say hello...I am blessed beyond measure

Head on over to Ann Voskamp @A Holy Experience to be inspired once more

mary's book basket ~ "the measure of katie calloway" by serena miller

Author Serena Miller has written a beautiful romantic tale set at a time when our country was trying to heal form it's greatest division, the Civil War. "The Measure of Katie Calloway" is filled with healing, hope and some wonderfully strong character's.

Product Description:
The Civil War has ended, but in Katie Calloway's Georgia home conflict still rages. To protect herself and her young brother from her violent and unstable husband, she flees north, finding anonymity and sanctuary as the cook in a Northwoods lumber camp. The camp owner, Robert Foster, wonders if the lovely woman he's hired has the grit to survive the never-ending work and harsh conditions of a remote pine forest in winter. Katie wonders if she can keep her past a secret from a man she is slowly growing to love.
With grace and skill, Serena Miller brings to life a bygone era. From the ethereal, snowy forest and the warm cookstove to the rowdy shanty boys and the jagged edges of the saw, every detail is perfectly rendered, transporting the reader back to the time when pine was king, men were made of iron, and rivers were choked with logs on the way to the sawmills. Readers will have a hard time leaving the Northwoods when they turn the last page.

This story is deep. There are prevailing theme's of forgiveness and healing. Ms. Miller handles the very difficult topic of domestic violence with a deft and grace filled pen. Katie's character arc is spun gracefully like a silken thread, incredibly strong and stunningly beautiful. I was pulled into her gentle heart from page one and couldn't wait to see where the author was going to go with the story. Enter one handsome and well respected hero, Robert Foster, who is dealing with his own tragedies, and you have a story filled with inspiration and hope. 

The lumber camp acts as a third character in this novel. The historical aspects are fascinating. I was intrigued by the setting and the secondary character's just made me smile. Their camaraderie and intense work ethic make my heart sing. I wanted to be there working with them, singing, laughing. Ms. Miller made it seem very real. This is a quick read and I would love to see a sequel just to see what happens to a few of the lumberjacks. Job well done Ms. Miller!

Available October 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Happy Reading, 

Mary 

mary's book basket ~ "hello, hollywood!" by janice thompson

Comedy is Author Janice Thompson's middle name. This writer makes me howl...no joke. In her latest novel "Hello, Hollywood!", Ms. Thompson follows TV sitcom head writer Athena Pappas and her new colleague Stephen Cosse.

Product Description:

Athena Pappas is the head writer on one of the most popular sitcoms in television history. But when Vegas comedian Stephen Cosse is brought in to beef up the show's suddenly sagging ratings, she starts to worry about her job. Sparks fly as the competition--and attraction--between the two writers heats up. Athena has never had a problem scripting the romances of her characters. So why is her own love life so hard to script?

With humor and a Hollywood-insider viewpoint, Hello, Hollywood! delivers lots of laughs as the characters discover that not being in control of the plot of their lives might just be the best thing that ever happened to them.

There is instant attraction as well as competition between these two character's. With a shared Greek heritage, competing career goals and dreams, and a crazy cast of secondary character's, "Hello, Hollywood!" made me laugh on almost every single page. Oh how I needed to laugh these past few weeks. This book reminded me of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" meets "The Dick Van Dyke Show" with a little "I Love Lucy" thrown in for good measure. A fabulous comedy with a touching romance at the heart of the book.

Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Happy Reading,
Mary

PS. Please accept my humble apologies that this was not posted in time by October 8. Illness is unpredictable to say the least. I take my job as a reviewer very seriously and it is a rare event that I miss a deadline. Thanks for your understanding my dear readers. 

in the last two weeks...

...I have been brought to my knees with everything that had to be done...writing deadlines...events to plan and execute...house to clean and organize...doctor's appointment's...more deadlines...then it all hit the fan...I got sick...very, very sick...like hacking cough, bronchial congestion, sniveling nose, sinus nightmare sick...then Miss Courtney got sick...then J-man...and there were still ALL those deadlines to meet...and substitute teaching to do...neither of which happened...I felt like a total failure in life...all stuffed up with no place to go...it was extremely discouraging and a total pain...but now IT'S ALL OKEDOKEE!! I can breathe...everyone is well...and I will be getting back into life with GUSTO!! I can't wait to share some awesome photo's...great book reviews...fabulous recipe's...and a story or two...it's gonna be a great week...so let's get this party started...here's a peek at a fabulous family event that took place yesterday...my nephew Thomas Randall G's baptism...he is baby #4 for my youngest brother Andrew...and he is a keeper...my hubby is his Godfather...we are blessed beyond measure once more...God is good...ALL THE TIME!! Welcome to the fam Tommy Boy...

me and my nephew Thomas Randall G. he is a keeper...

down for the count...

My Dear Sweet Readers,
I was hoping to be up and running this week with lots of fabulous recipes and some awesome book reviews. But alas that is not to be. Instead I am coughing up my right lung and sipping lot's of HOT tea. It's officially cold season in my house and I am down for the count...so I shall see you when I can breathe easily once more...Thanks so much for you patience and kindness...

exhaling...

Hello My Lovely Readers,
This week is wicked busy and my plate is overflowing so I will be taking a little blogging break.  I promised myself when I started blogging that whenever I started to feel overwhelmed and felt like I was beginning to chase deadlines, I would take a step back and breathe. So deep breath in...and... exhale....ahhhhh...I will see you in a few weeks!!

mary's book basket ~ "deeply devoted" by maggie brendan

"Deeply Devoted" by Inspirational author Maggie Brendan takes on the classic historical trope of the mail-order-bride. This one comes with a twist. Actually two twists, her sisters. Heroine, Catherine Olsen is running from a past and she has brought her sisters with her. A bit of a surprise for our hero, Peter. This complication creates some definite tension in the newlyweds household as well as a few moments of levity.

This historical inspirational romance has all the benchmarks of a timeless love story. He is strong, hardworking and gentle. She is loving, faithful and determined to prove he made a good choice in her as a wife. They work together to create home and hearth in the midst of trails both physical and emotional. She faces her past, he is able to stand on his own two feet and God carries them both throughout. The setting is stunning, the historical details are spot on and the emotional journey is present for both of them.

My one bone I have to pick with this book is the heavy use of the secondary characters. It felt like they were getting too much of the story and Catherine and Peter not enough. I wanted to see less of his mother and her sisters and more of our hero and heroine. Their story is so rich and the emotional pay off so fabulous, I just wish I had more. All in all a solid read.


Product Description:
When Catharine Olsen leaves Holland for America as a mail-order bride, she brings along some extra baggage: two sisters, her mother's set of Blue Willow china, and a tragic past. When she arrives in Cheyenne, Wyoming, she promptly marries Peter Andersen and dreams of starting life over in this rugged land. Peter is kind and patient with Catharine and accommodating to her sisters. His mother, however, is not. When she begins a campaign to sabotage Peter's marriage, Catharine is distraught, worried that her secret past will be discovered. Will her life end up as nothing but broken pieces? Or will these trials make her stronger?


Readers will love negotiating the clash of cultures and class as a highborn European and a Western wheat farmer learn to love one another and trust God with both the past and the future.